May Newsletter – New Piglets and Bunnies

Piglets

Summer has arrived early in Spain this year with record temperatures in April.  It is all go, go, go, getting ready for an exciting new season.  We tell you in our May Newsletter what’s new, what’s been happening and what you should be thinking about if you haven’t booked your holiday yet.

New piglets, Peppa and Daisy

If you have been watching our daily Instagram posts, you will have seen the arrival of our new piglets.  We asked our Followers for name suggestions and Peppa and Daisy came out top.  Peppa is slightly bigger and bolder whereas Daisy is more timid.  Daisy has a white spot on her head and white patches on hers legs that look like socks. 

Although they settled in well, we underestimated how much they wanted to escape and snuffle around exploring the valley making friends with the other animals.  Several mornings we woke up to find them escaped.  Each time we strengthened their pen until we decided we had to build something new.  They then escaped from their new pen, using their snouts to burrow under the wire.  We have been worried about losing them but hope now we have the situation under control.

They seem happy in their new pen, they wag their tails and are enjoying all the left over winter scraps.

Beryl sadly has passed away.  She had been suffering from stiff legs in the winter cold and was having difficulty standing up.  One day she took herself off into the long grass where she lay down in the sunshine.  We found her when we came to put her to bed that evening.  We are all sad but she was an old lady and suffering.  She had a good life and has left us with many happy memories.

Did the Baby Bunnies arrive in time for Easter?

Bunnies are a favourite with all the children, and there’s always excitement when baby bunnies arrive.  Baby bunnies usually arrive during Easter holidays but this year they came a little latter.  Bluebell has two babies, they are past the critical 10 day stage so hopefully in a couple of weeks they will be jumping around and making friends.  We will keep you posted of any further bunny news.

Go to the next article What’s happening with flights this year?

What’s happening with flights this year?

The airline industry this year has returned to providing a regular and dependable flights.   Thankfully, the disruption and chaos from last year is behind us.  But why is it so difficult to find budget flights during peak season?  Since the pandemic, capacity in the airline industry has not yet recovered to pre Covid levels.  With demand in the summer months at a maximum there is less availability, and prices go up as we compete for the limited flights left.  Booking your flights early will save you from some of the steeper price rises. 

What can you do if you don’t yet have flights booked?

Getting flights at antisocial hours in more difficult for a family with young children.   Early morning flights are better than late night flights, but they can both take some of the fun away from the holiday experience.   In view of some of these difficulties facing families this year, we are offering some flexibility on arrival and leaving dates for guests finding difficulty finding suitable flights.  Saturdays are busy, so allowing some leeway either side should make booking flights easier.

Go to the next article Retreats for Parents on the horizon

Retreats for Parents on the horizon

Do you ever think of having a few days to yourself doing exactly what you want?  With such a glorious start to the year, we’re thinking that April and May could be the perfect time to treat yourself.  With wild flowers, blues skies and sunshine, here you can escape the outside world. 

What would you do?  Some yoga and Pilates, long walks in beautiful scenery, healthy and delicious food, a massage, read a book or simply have a break from your hectic routine and feel looked after.  Come with a friend, perhaps special one-on-one time with someone or just enjoy the time to yourself.

We are putting aside some long weekends next year for some rest and relaxation.  Small fun and friendly groups wanting to take a break to recharge. 

What would be your idea for a perfect break?  Tell us how you would spend the weekend…

18 reasons to love Caserio del Mirador

We are thrilled to receive a lovely review from Bridges and Balloons who love to write about family travel to special places. Victoria and her family, husband Steve, Otis (5) and Arlo (2) were guests here for five nights over Easter.

Read why they thought Caserio del Mirador is so special and why it should be your first holiday with kids.

18 reasons to love Caserio del Mirador

Why May is Best for Pre-schoolers

Spain in May Poppies

The luxury of freedom to travel outside school holidays is not to be underestimated.  Many idyllic holiday venues are at their best in spring or early summer.  May is warm, sunny and the most beautiful month to be in Spain.

If you love family time outside exploring and going on adventures, here are some top reasons why to come to Spain in May.

  • Beautiful lush landscapes with wild flowers and blue skies
  • It’s not too hot to enjoy active days outside in the sunshine
  • Easy to book the exact accommodation that’s right for you
  • Avoid peak season prices and summer crowds
  • Lots of available flights

Playing outside, feeding the animals and exploring the landscape is great family time.  Nowhere is too busy, so it’s easy to enjoy lazy days at the beach and eat whatever time you like at restaurants.  Do whatever you want whenever you want.  That’s why we love Spain in May.

Read Sarah’s blog, ‘Where, when and how to go on Holiday’ for top tips for going away with a baby and a toddler

All Airports and Airlines Flying to Alicante

Pool bar with view

Don’t leave travel plans too late, as summer approaches flights become more expensive.   Local home airports are a great option for families with young children.  They are easier to travel to and offer overall reduced journey times.  Also, smaller airports are generally less busy with shorter distances to walk in smaller terminal buildings.  Facilities such as shopping and food outlets will be more limited, but this should be offset by avoiding an endless hike to your boarding gate.

Alicante is the nearest airport to Caserío del Mirador, about an hour’s drive along motorway with a short distance on local roads.  The airport is modern, well designed and easy to navigate.  There are 20 UK airports and 5 Republic of Ireland airports flying to Alicante with a variety of different airlines.

Click Airlines and Destinations flying to Alicante Airport to see if your local airport flies to Alicante, and which airlines operate the route.  The link is the official airport website, in Spanish so where it requires your country write Reino Unido or Irlanda.

Using menu options for the link, you can also check Valencia airport as an arrival airport.  It is 15 minutes further away and has fewer airlines and destinations, but might work well for you.

For further tips for traveling with young children, go to Sarah’s blog, ‘Booking Flights, Traveling, Airports and Car Hire’.